THE IMMANUEL INFORMER

June 2014

MISSION STATEMENT Building Strong Relationships in Christ,

And Making Him Known to All.

Dear Friends,

Last weekend I had the privilege of joining my folks and

other relatives as we attended the Centennial Celebration of

the church in a small town in East Central South Dakota

where my grandparents attended and where my father grew

up. Being there for the Sunday service and for the

Memorial Day observance on Monday reminded me of my

roots among the Norwegian Lutherans of this area of South

Dakota who came from Norway and sought through much

hardship to farm the prairie.

It also made me aware of the spiritual heritage I received

because of the faith that was passed down to me by my

grandparents and father who lived out their faith in part

because of the ministry of this little church on the prairie.

Where are your spiritual roots? From whom did you first

learn about the love of Christ and his purpose for your life?

God has been working throughout your life to nourish the

seed of faith that was planted in your heart by the direct

work of the Spirit and by the people in church and in other

places who have sought to influence you to stay true to the

faith. Let’s seek to continue to nourish that gift of faith and

pass on the heritage we have been given, so that many

others would know the saving work of Christ.

I was also thinking this past week about some of the

memories I have of the parish house. Now that it has been

torn down, I was thinking about the many years (1989-

2012) that our youth directors and others lived there.

During many of these years the high school Sunday School

class was held there along with many other youth activities.

We praise God for the way he used that home to minister to

our youth and draw them closer to him.

Pastor Anenson

Immanuel Lutheran Church

604 Lafayette Avenue

Story City, Iowa 50248

515.733.4972

E-mail address - immanuel@iowatelecom.net

Website - www.immanuelstorycity.org

A member of Lutheran Congregations in

Mission for Christ.

Ministers - All Members

Senior Pastor - Stephen Anenson

Associate Pastor - Kurt Jensen

Youth & Education Ministry Coordinator -

Zachary Bauknecht

Office Administrator - Sheila Schaefer

Custodian - Shelly Nibe

Missionaries:

Tim & Paula Tjernagel, Spain

Pastor Randy Hansen, ISU

Gene & Ginger McClugage, Family Life

Kevin & Susana B, India

Doug & Amy Nunziato, Spain

Regular Office Hours

Monday - Thursday

8:30 A.M. - 12 noon, 1 P.M. - 4 P.M.

Friday 8:30 A.M. - 12 noon

Sunday Morning Schedule

9:00 A.M. Coffee Fellowship (Narthex)

9:30 A.M. Worship Service

10:30 A.M. Coffee Fellowship (Social Hall)

May Pastoral Acts

Baptisms

Mia Marie Argyros, daughter of James & Maagen

Argyros - May 4

Chase Tyler Stevens, son of Tyler & Cassie Stevens

- May 11

Aaron Campbell Talbott, son of Jake & Jenni

Talbott - May 18

Wedding

Trent Whipple & Tosha Anderson - May 17

Funerals

Margaret Larson - May 19

Richard “Rick” Frette - May 21

Phyllis Frette - May 23

Emma Frosland - May 26

Please remember these families

in your prayers.

June Ministry Volunteers

Ushers: Steve & Miriam Skartvedt, John &

Cheryl Abrams

Greeters:

June 1 Mike & Sue Valen

June 8 Brad & Karen Waline

June 15 Alan & Sally Webb

June 22 Roger & Lois Oakland

June 29 John & Patty Rathmacher

Readers:

June 1 Steve Skartvedt

June 8 Brad Waline

June 15 Sue Trampel

June 22 Roger Oakland

June 29 John Rathmacher

Women’s Monthly Bible

Study

In May our Women’s

Monthly Bible Study began a

new study for the summer

months entitled, “A Covenant

of Aging.” Even those who

have had a relationship with Christ for many years may

wonder how faith can be renewed and remain alive as

we become mature adults. Our study will also address

some particular concerns of mature Christians.

Pastor Anenson will lead this group as they meet on

Tuesday, June 17 at 2 p.m. in the Social Hall.

Refreshments will follow. All women are welcome.

Please bring your Bibles.

Financial Report - April

Fund Beginning

Balance Receipts Expenditures

Ending

Balance

Current & Mission Fund 26,783.58 34,614.50 33,161.64 28,236.44

Improvement Fund 56,293.55 2,335.00 0.00 58,628.55

Missionary Support Fund -863.16 1,098.00 1,691.67 -1,456.83

Memorial Fund 12,563.77 1,610.00 355.38 13,818.39

Ministry Fund 8,182.21 0.00 8.09 8,174.12

Holy Communion

There will be a short service of Holy

Communion following the worship service on

Sunday, June 15. We realize that some of our

members are gone for communion on the first

Sunday of the month. Come, even if you simply

would like to participate in the sacrament again

this month.

Scandinavian Days Parade Our Mission Trip team will be participating

in this year's parade! Thrivent has asked the

group to walk along the parade route passing

out materials to parade watchers, along with

carrying a banner! This will be a fun

opportunity for them to be involved in an

annual tradition of Story City!

2014 Day Camp

Day Camp is June 9th-12th at Immanuel! Day

camp runs from 9 A.M.-2 P.M. for kids entering 1st

-6th grade, and 9-11:30 A.M. for kids 3 yrs –

entering Kindergarten. Enrollment forms are

available online and in the church office. Parents are

encouraged to fill them out early and turn them in

prior to the start of day camp so we can have an

accurate head count for the day camp team.

Kids in 1st-6th grade need to bring a sack lunch

and drink each day.

A program featuring the highlights of day camp

will be Thursday night at 7 P.M. Volunteers are still

needed to help the week run smoothly. We are still

in need of one family to help host some of the

Riverside staff. We need lunch providers each day of

camp for the Riverside staff and also for a meal for

them on Sunday evening. Other needs are snack

providers, class helpers, ice cream for the Thursday

night program and registration day helpers. Students

who have completed 6th grade and above are invited

to help with the preschool. Please contact the church

office or Patty Rathmacher at 733.4779 or Jaynee

Christian at 733.2710 with any questions or to

volunteer in any way.

Enrollment is open to any children in the area.

Riverside Bible Camp

Every youth from Immanuel who attends a

week of summer Bible Camp receives a $100

scholarship from the congregation. Any youth

attending Alpha Camp receives a $50

scholarship.

Gifts can be given throughout the year to our

Camp Scholarship Fund. Please make the check

out to Immanuel, but mark it for the fund. A

week of camp now costs over $400.

Please be in prayer for all the campers,

counselors, and other full-time staff that will be

at Riverside Bible Camp this summer. Many

campers are already signed up from Immanuel!

Please pray that all the staff and campers will

experience the presence and power of our Lord

Jesus Christ!

Note: Anyone wanting to attend camp, but in

need of further financial help in order to attend,

should let either of the pastors or Zachary know.

We want to give everyone an opportunity to go

to camp!

Registration forms for camp are available

online at www.riversidelbc.org or you may pick

one up from the shelf in the narthex.

Upcoming Activities at Riverside Bible Camp

Check the bulletin board or check out the

Riverside website (www.Riverside LBC.org) for

more information on the following:

Public Mime Presentations - Thursday,

June 19 (arrive around 8:30 P.M.) and

Thursday, July 3 (arrive around 8:00 P.M. )

Family Camp - July1-4

Quilt Auction / 5K - August 2

Golf Classic - September 12

Women’s Retreat - September 20-21

Chili Cook-Off - October 26

Seasoned Souls

The Seasoned Souls will be having a

progressive barbeque on Saturday, June 21,

beginning at 5 P.M. We will need someone to

be host for the salad, main dish, or dessert.

There will be a sign-up in the narthex for those

willing to host, help provide food, or plan

activities. For more information, please contact

Corine Nordeen at 733.4089 or Jaynee

Christian at 733.2710. Watch for more details

in upcoming bulletins.

Young Adult & Family Pizza Party at Story

City's North Park!

We're getting together by the playground on the

north end of the park on Sunday, June 29th,

starting at 4:00 p.m. There’ll be Casey’s pizza, lots

of fun and great conversation. We may even go for

carousel rides! Bring your own beverages. Be sure to

call the church at 733.4972 or email

jensku01@gmail.com to let us know how many

people to get pizza for! Cost: $4 per person or $10

per family. Rain location: Immanuel’s Social Hall.

Come for a great time hanging out together!

Do you find you are meeting yourself coming

and going with all the special events going on this

month? Don’t forget the yard and garden work too,

and those summer projects you’ve lined up. It

sounds like you need a break! Here are some good

books that will provide just that.

If you like novels that let you really get to know

the characters you might enjoy Traveler’s Rest by

Ann Tatlock. You’ll meet a young woman who has

given away her heart and is determined to honor her

commitment, her fiancé who returns home from

military service with life altering injuries and is

convinced his life is not worth living, let alone

sharing, and a crew of supporting characters who

come to play an important role in building the faith

and trust needed for God to carry out his plans in

these young people’s lives.

Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher is a modern

day take on the parable of the prodigal son with

plenty of intriguing twists and turns. Roxy Burke

squanders her inheritance on a failed attempt to

become a country music star in Nashville. Her

father gladly welcomes her back home, but her

sister is less accepting, especially since the man she

is engaged to marry is Roxy’s former boyfriend. As

the parable plays out, each family member searches

for God’s grace and the willingness to accept it.

Stuff! We spend a lot of time and effort

accumulating it, caring for it, and then getting rid of

it, yet we all like our stuff. Quaker Summer by Lisa

Samson is the story of one woman’s struggle to

deal with the “stuff” in her life, and how her loving

yet concerned family, a couple of elderly Quaker

sisters, and a nun who tells it like it is, help her get

her life back on track. Women of Faith awarded this

book Novel of the Year when it was published. It’s

a good one!

Also new to the library is Desperate Housewives

of the Bible - O.T. Edition by Robert Strand. This is

a tongue in cheek rendition of the stories of some of

the famous (and infamous!) women of the Old

Testament. All relate to problems and needs

women still experience today. Each story ends with

a valuable bit of wisdom for 21st century living.

Take a break and read a book from the church

library!

June 20 is World

Refugee Day

Each year World Refugee Day is celebrated on

June 20 to raise awareness about the plight of

refugees worldwide. According to UNHCR (the

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees),

there are 10.4 million refugees in the world, people

who have been forced to flee their homes due to

persecution based on race, ethnicity, religion,

social group or political opinion.

LSI’s support services for people of refugee

status in the Des Moines area help children,

families and adults build new lives in Iowa

through English as a Second Language classes,

work readiness classes, child care business

development, elderly services and a new area of

service called Global Greens (agricultural

training).

A Tribute for Dads

That Dad of Mine

“He’s slowing down” as some folks say,

With the burden of years, from day to day;

His brow bears many a furrowed line,

He’s growing old — that Dad of mine.

His shoulders droop and his step is slow

And his hair is white — as white as snow,

But his blue eyes sparkle with friendly light

And his smile is warm and his heart is right.

He’s old? Oh yes! But only in years,

For his spirit soars as the sunset nears.

And blest I’ve been, and wealth I’ve had,

In knowing a man like my own Dad.

And proud am I, to stand by him,

As he stood by me when the way was dim;

I’ve found him worthy, and just, and fine,

And a prince of a man — that Dad of Mine.

Adam N. Reiter

Thank you

Thanks to all the members who helped with the

trimming, mulching and painting projects around

the church building this past week.

Summary of May Council Meeting - May 8, 2014

Joint Council

President John Rathmacher called the meeting to order.

Gail Nordholm led us in devotions.

Report of the Treasurer, presented by Rick Richie -

met goals for April. Income needs to increase.

Missionary funds are down. Treasurer’s report

approved.

Discussion and vote on recommended changes by sub-

committee to constitution concerning endowment fund.

Brad Skaar moved to accept changes of wording in

Immanuel’s Constitution recommended by the

subcommittee; Terry Greenfield seconded. Motion

amended. The council then voted on the original

motion as amended. It passed unanimously.

Discussed summer coffees. Last year the church

committees/groups and families served coffee. Officers

will serve May 18; Youth Board - May 25; Deacons -

June 1; Trustees - June 8; Board of Ed. - June 15.

Other Business. Deacons and Missions Committee

talked about specific criteria for our missions budget.

They came up with a list of questions to ask to make

these decisions.

Next meeting will be Thursday, June 12 at 8:30 P.M.

Board Reports

Deacons

Kent opened with prayer.

The format of guidelines for mission selections was

approved by the Missions Committee.

Evaluation of Lent and Easter. Many positive

compliments concerning Maundy Thursday Passover

Supper, the Good Friday Tenebrae Service, and the

Wednesday suppers and Lenten services.

Update upcoming activities.

May 11 Sunday worship service will be done by the

Sunday School classes.

Day Camp will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church

June 9-12. Jaynee Christian and Patty Rathmacher

are in charge.

Adult Education - May 11 is last class until fall.

Deacon’s responsibilities and goals for 2014 -

discussed how to better live out our mission as a

congregation.

More Bible knowledge

Continue growth as Christians

Being a witness of our faith to others

Be involved with community activities

Other items:

Clover Donations (our website) is now ready for

online offerings.

Summer idea for July - the annual Riverside Sunday

will begin with a 9:30 A.M. worship service at

Immanuel followed by a picnic and fellowship at 11

A.M. at Riverside Bible Camp.

Board of Education:

Lisa opened in prayer.

Financial statement was reviewed

Bible Day Camp - June 9-12

A banner has been done and is ready to hang.

Registrations are coming in.

They could use more helpers

May 11 - End of year program

Rotation calendar. May go back to traditional type.

New TV for Sunday School use discussed.

Some Sunday School rooms still need new tables and

chairs.

Youth Board

Zachary opened in prayer; Ben shared devotions.

Approved financial report.

Pastor Anenson attended the skating outing.

Going to an I Cubs game.

Starting May 28 we will have MS from 6-7:15 P.M.

and HS from 7:30-8:45 P.M. on alternating

Wednesdays.

New business

Mission Trip Youth will be participating in the

Scandinavian Days parade.

Reviewed Zachary’s work for the past 7 months.

Pastor joined discussion. Zachary says Middle

School is going well and that makes it fun to lead.

Could use greater High School participation. He

feels good about the Bible studies. Pastor Anenson

stated it’s nice to have a youth leader during the

summer. Encouraged Zachary to keep involved with

school activities, ball games and reach out to others

in summer programs.

Discussed summer program.

Trustees

Rick Richie opened in prayer.

Did a “walk around” of the church facilities.

Approved bills and reviewed Treasurer’s report.

Parish House timetable - demolition will be this

Monday or Tuesday. Parking lot will be gravel for

now.

Parsonage - bathroom floor and tile needs to be

completed upstairs; kitchen cupboards and counter tops

have been ordered. Garage windows installed.

Electrical work is complete.

Wall paper repair by glass doors discussed.

Trustees will purchase TV and cart for Sunday School.

Approved shelving in storage room.

Brick repair on Bell Tower, having a roofer look at the

leaks.

Discussed property committee duties.

Other items - with all the projects going on we need to

remind congregation of prayerful giving.

Middle School Youth Middle School Youth Group - All 5th through 8th graders are invited to join us on Wednesday, June 11 and Wednesday,

June 25 from 6-7:15 P.M. I can’t wait to see you there! Bring a friend!

High School Youth High School Youth Group - During June we will be meeting on Wednesday, June 11 and Wednesday, the 25th from 7:30-

8:45 P.M. Bring a friend and get ready for some fun!

2014 Graduates - Congratulations on your wonderful achievement! If you are around town any this summer before you

head off to college, don’t be afraid to swing by church and hang out or let Zachary know if you want to grab a coffee or

soda somewhere! You are welcome to still attend our summer Youth Group activities!

Middle and High School Youth Summer Programming Schedule - Now that it is summer, we are following our “Summer Programming Schedule.” (Dates

listed below.) Our Youth Group meeting times will be from 6-7:15 p.m for Middle School and 7:30-8:45 P.M. for High

School during this time period. That dates for our Wednesday summer meetings are:

June: 11th and 25th

July: 2nd, 16th and 30th

August: 13th and 27th.

Sweet Treats Trip - We are heading to Sweet Treats in Jewell on Saturday, June 21! Meet at Immanuel at 6 P.M. and

bring $5 with you to cover the cost of a “Double Scoop.” There are Lactose Free options available for you in case you need

that option! Come on out and join us! Bring a friend! Zachary is planning on getting Red Velvet, what flavor are you going to

get??

Weekly Team Meetings - We will be starting our Team (those who are attending the mission trip) Meetings June 1st,

after church at 10:45 A.M. These meetings should be done by NOON. Please let Zachary know by the Wednesday of each

week if you are unable to join us. It will be a great time of team bonding, ice breakers, meaningful Bible Study and

fellowship! Come excited!

The dates for our weekly Sunday meetings are as follows:

June 1st

June 8th

June 15th

June 22nd* (If we find necessary)*

June 29th* (If we find necessary)*

2014 Mission Trip (Parents Only) Meeting - Thursday, June 26 at 7 P.M. we will be having a “Parents Only” meeting

regarding our upcoming trip in July. ALL parents are encouraged to be there. It will be a time for you to ask all of your

last minute questions dealing with the trip, as well as a time for us to gather in prayer lifting up everyone attending the

trip. The length of our meeting is dependent on how many questions are being asked. It will, however, go no later than 8

P.M. See you then, parents!

On Tuesday, June 17th, we will be going to SKYZONE in Des Moines! Cost

is determined by the number of people who RSVP. We will meet at

Immanuel at 1 P.M. and leave at 1:05 P.M. We should return to Story City

by 4 P.M. Please sign up on the bulletin board outside of Zachary’s office

by Tuesday, June 10th if you want to go!! Thanks!

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2014

Immanuel Lutheran Church

604 Lafayette Avenue

Story City, Iowa 50248

Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

Paid Story City, Iowa

Permit No. 44

We want to thank all those who have served as volunteers

in any way during this past school year. We are thankful for

those who worked with our youth—as teachers of Sunday

School, Trinity, or Confirmation classes or as helpers with

any of our youth groups, or youth choirs.

Thank you also to those who have served as ushers,

greeters, and readers this past year.

We appreciate all those who have helped in the church

office to put together bulletins, newsletters, and other special mailings.

A special thanks to all choir members and to those who provide special music for our worship

services, those who prepare communion, those who help with small work projects around the

church, such as repairs, planting and maintaining flower and bushes, those who work in the church

library, those who put up banners and change paraments, and those who are always so willing to

serve or prepare food for funerals, coffee fellowship, or for other gatherings.

Thank you to those who serve in leadership, such as church council members, church boards and

committee members, the Women’s Ministry Group, Stephen Ministers, quilters and all those others

who volunteer in other ways.

We are glad you are using your God-given talents in wonderful ways.